Board majority, 1987 roots and national services
Community Resources has been formally recognised as an Aboriginal-led organisation. The national not-for-profit and registered charity has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the majority across its Board Directors and membership.
Community Resources is also registered with Supply Nation and the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. The recognition follows governance arrangements that place Aboriginal people in key leadership, governance and decision-making roles.
Founded on Worimi Country in 1987, Community Resources began with place-based training, employment and community services for Aboriginal people. It has since expanded its work across Australia while keeping culturally safe and relevant services at the centre of its mission.
Co-Chair Narelle Anderson described the milestone as a marker of both the organisation’s history and its future direction. She said it reinforces Aboriginal leadership in decision-making and accountability to community.
Anderson argued that self-determination should shape the outcomes Community Resources delivers. She added that Aboriginal voices, knowledge and leadership are central to that work.
Community Resources states that Aboriginal-led leadership guides its day-to-day operations. That approach keeps its work grounded in culture, Country, relationships and practical outcomes for communities.
The formal recognition builds on work already under way across Community Resources. It aligns the group’s purpose, governance and operations more closely and strengthens its ability to deliver community-led impact.
Soft Landing and Helping Hands
Community Resources will continue operating across Australia through the social enterprises Soft Landing, Resource Recovery Australia and Green Yakka. It will also continue its community services Homebase, Helping Hands and Great Lakes and Manning Youth Homelessness Service.
The organisation’s services, partnerships and programmes will continue as usual. Across those enterprises and services, Community Resources says it creates jobs, strengthens communities and cares for Country.
Anderson said services work better when the people and places they serve help shape them. She said that model supports stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally diverse communities and Australians experiencing need.
